The KWK/Jenkins Peer Architects (JPA) design team, in collaboration with architect-of-record INTREPID Architecture, is finalizing renovation designs for a pair of aging residence halls at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, NC.
The buildings, Jones Hall built in 1958 and Legacy Hall built in 1960, are located adjacent to each other in the campus’ College Hill neighborhood. The overall goal of the $60 million renovation project is to provide updated, modern amenities; accessibility; and better use of space while maintaining each hall’s individual character and spirit, said KWK Architects Principal Javier Esteban, AIA.
Four-story Jones Hall houses approx. 430 students and is home to the ECU Campus Living offices on the ground floor. It was renovated in 2002 with additional floor lounges, public areas and an elevator.
The only residence hall on campus that is not ADA-compliant, four-story Legacy Hall houses approx. 470 students and features a large lounge in the basement and a study room and community bathroom on each floor.
Plans for the $60 million renovation include:
- Replacing the original plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems in both halls
- Updating both halls’ exteriors with new windows and roofs
- Reconfiguring the halls’ bathrooms to allow for private facilities
- Creating a new ground-floor, ADA-compliant entrance for Legacy that provides protection from the weather
- Adding an elevator and public lounge space with large windows for natural light at the front of Legacy Hall
- Establishing a green space and large promenade in front of the halls, connecting Legacy to Scott Hall
“The Legacy work will include the addition of a two-story mezzanine room to reinforce a contemporary sense of place and provide a welcoming space for students, in addition to incorporating access to a new elevator for all floors,” said Esteban. “The renovation of both halls will also include updated, individual bathrooms that allow complete privacy for the students, and at the same time far exceeds ADA requirements.”
Work on Legacy Hall is expected to begin in May 2025 and continue through July 2026. Jones Hall’s work is expected to start in May 2026 and be completed in July 2027. Each hall will be closed during its renovation.
